France is ideally suited for riding tours and is the country where the idea got its start and is most highly developed. Horseback riding in Loire valley is particularly well-suited, as the countryside in many places is most attractive and comparatively unspoiled.
Rights-of-way have been well maintained so that horsemen can usually find appropriate trails and there is very little necessity to take paved roads. Spectacular castles, walled towns and ancient monasteries are everywhere. Here you tour at least one castle daily to fully understand the rich history. French food and wine are justly famous and you will have every opportunity to savor them with appetites made keener by a day in the saddle.
In the centuries before the French Revolution the Loire Valley was the scene of an unprecedented flowering of culture where French kings and nobles vied with one another to build the most magnificent structures and to decorate them exquisitely. There are wonderful opportunities for canters through some of the old hunting preserves of the French nobility, and you follow tracks through picturesque countryside of bucolic farmland and vineyards. The accommodations and food are wonderful, the trails and scenery unforgettable, and the opportunity to do it all on horseback makes this truly unique experience.
Arrive at Hotel le Relais de Chambord near Cheverny by 6:30 pm. Enjoy an aperitif and discussion of the week ahead precisely at 7:00pm, followed by dinner at 8:00pm.
Ride for about 3 hours this morning through the countryside and Boulogne forest, arriving at Château de Chambord for lunch in the stable of the chateau.
PM – Enjoy a visit of this very special chateau. Dinner and overnight back at Relais de Chambord.
AM – Ride to Château de Beauregard by the Boulogne forest where you have the unforgettable experience of riding into the front entrance of the chateau. The ride lasts about 3 hours. Enjoy a visit of the chateau followed by a picnic lunch.
PM – Continue on to Château Cheverny through the countryside and Cheverny vineyards where you will have a visit of the chateau. The afternoon ride is about 1.5 hrs. Dinner and overnight at Relais des Landes.
Ride for about 2 hours and 15 min in the country side of Sologne to medieval chateau of Fourgeres sur Bievre for a visit of the chateau and lunch. In the afternoon you ride in through the coutryside to Cande on Beuvron, then follow the Loire river to renaissance chateau of Chaumont sur Loire, the ride is about 3 hours. Visit this chateau or garden festival. Spend the night in the charming Hostellerie du Chateau on the bank of the Loire river.
Ride for about 2.5 hours to Amboise along the Loire river, through the Touraine countryside. Have lunch in a restaurant in the charming village of Mosnes.
In the afternoon ride for approximately 2.5 hours to chateau d’Amboise, experience a special arrival on horseback through “la porte des Lions,” the medieval king’s door! Have a private guided visit of this historical chateau, where Leonardi da Vinci is buried. Enjoy a gourmet dinner and night at Hotel le Choiseul, located along the Loire in Amboise.
Visit Clos Luce, the last home of Leonardo da Vinci, and its exhibitions. Free time and lunch in the charming old center of Amboise. Then visit the fantastic Chateau de Chenonceau and its gardens, with a gourmet dinner and night at the Hotel le Choiseul.
Departure after breakfast at Hotel le Choiseul.
This itinerary is flexible and changes may occur at the guide's discretion due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
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Most amazing trip!!! Far exceeded our expectations, the entire group felt the same. Horses were so safe and clearly well looked after and loved. Food and accommodations were wonderful. The guides are exceptional hosts. I hope I can go back someday!
Russell, 2024
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